IRELAND DEFENCE COACH Andy Farrell was on site at Munster’s High Performance Centre today as he linked up with new head coach Johan van Graan in providing ‘training support’.
With the southern province’s former defensive guru Jacques Nienaber having departed for South Africa with Rassie Erasmus, Farrell will once more offer assistance at training tomorrow.
The former England international joined Munster in January 2016 in a temporary advisory role before joining Joe Schmidt’s Ireland setup following the 2016 Six Nations.
On the injury front for Munster, Chris Farrell has been ruled out until the new year having damaged his knee during Ireland’s 28-19 win over Argentina, while Simon Zebo underwent a scan today to determine the extent of his own blow suffered during Munster’s win over Zebre in Parma.
Johan van Graan’s first press conference in his new gig, meanwhile, was dominated by an Irish Times report which linked captain Peter O’Mahony with a move to either England or France.
“I haven’t spoken to Pete one on one yet, we chatted away this morning (in a group),” said the new head coach.
He’s been offered a contract extension and some other benefits. I believe it’s in the best interest of Munster and the IRFU to keep him at Munster and Ireland.
“Luckily, (the mooted move away) that’s hopefully not a done deal. He stands for so much more. He’s a Munster man through-and-through and I’m looking forward to that discussion with him.
“If there’s I could any way help to keep him at Munster, and within Ireland until the World Cup and hopefully after that, I’ll do everything in my power to do that.”
It’s understood perennial suitors Toulon are once more keen on prizing the Ireland international away from his home province, while Leicester Tigers are one of a number of Premiership clubs interested in taking O’Mahony across the Irish Sea.
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